09/11/2026
The Village of Westphalia has received increasing concerns about golf carts, ORVs, and electric scooters being operated unsafely on Village streets, including use by minors.
A few important reminders:
• Golf carts are not authorized on Village of Westphalia streets. The Village has not adopted the resolution required under Michigan law to allow their use.
• ORVs are also not authorized on Village streets. Clinton County allows ORVs on certain county roads, but its ordinance does not extend that permission to city or village streets unless the municipality adopts its own ordinance.
• Electric scooters are treated differently under Michigan law and may be permitted in certain locations, but riders are still required to follow applicable traffic laws and operate safely.
Parents and guardians, please make sure children understand that these vehicles are not toys and that being able to drive one does not necessarily mean it can legally be operated on a public street.
This is also a serious safety concern. Recent national research estimated more than 63,000 pediatric electric-scooter injuries from 2014–2023, with nearly 1 in 3 involving a fracture. Children under 16 also accounted for approximately 27% of about 500,000 off-highway vehicle injuries reported from 2018–2020.
Please help us keep Westphalia safe:
• Do not allow minors to operate golf carts or ORVs on Village streets.
• Follow traffic signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits.
• Avoid racing, weaving through traffic, reckless driving, and unsafe passenger use.
• Use appropriate helmets and safety equipment.
• Watch carefully for pedestrians, bicyclists, and children.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping prevent a serious accident or injury.
Please visit the village website for more information.
